The Netherlands are reluctant to extend their F1 contract beyond 2023

Despite Max Verstappen’s allure and the presence of the “orange tsunami” on all tracks, the continuation of the Dutch Grand Prix beyond 2023 is in danger.

The promoters of the Grand Prix, led by Jan Lammers, have an option to extend the contract until 2025. The option “expires” on November 1 this year. And now they have doubts about practicing it in the remaining 100 days until the deadline.

It was Robert van Overdijk who said this in an interview with De Telegraaf, the country’s most influential newspaper. “Selling tickets is not enough – to balance -. If it is based on F1, I will sign now. We are a 100% fully funded event and we need the support of our sponsors and official bodies. So far, only the Zandvoort City Council has supported us from day one, and it is essential for us to continue like this.”

Van Overdijk indicated that they are already talking to the official entities and that this year they are expecting the full number, 110,000 fans, every day. Also, instead of one central meeting place for the masses, they want four smaller stages to avoid crowding. “We only organized one GP so far” and they had a few weeks to prepare it because they gave the final green light, he notes.

The problem, as with other European Grand Prix races, is not the price of tickets, but the fact that this is practically the only possible income for the promoters, as well as restoration and some small sponsors. Other portions of income – the rights to television, major sponsors or the paddock club – rest with Formula One. In this way, the Grand Prix is ​​deficient if there is no official help from the municipalities, regions or the state itself.

A situation quite unlike that of other Grand Prix racing in emerging countries or one that needs a friendly window to the world, where racing is a “state issue” and public attendance is a secondary issue.

In the past, it has already been seen how Belgium or France lost the Grand Prix. Although they are now back on the calendar, their contract renewals are up in the air. Germany resigned at that time precisely because both Hockenheim and the Nürburgring saw their balance sheets unbalanced during the Grand Prix years. In all of these cases, either there is no government support or it is insufficient.

If you want to read more news like this, visit Flipboard